July 2007 SCREE

General Meeting

Date: July 10, 2007

Time: 6:30 pm

Where: Serra Park

Sunnyvale, CA

Program: Outdoor BBQ and Gear Swap

Location: Serra Park, Sunnyvale

730 The Dalles Ave

The July meeting will be our annual BBQ in Serra Park in Sunnyvale. This will be a pot potluck style party. Family members and prospective PCS members are most welcome!
In time honored tradition, there will also be a gear sale / swap meet. Burrow through your garage and dig out your neglected, extra gear to participate in this event.
We will be at site#1. It's next to the parking lot on the Hollenbeck street side park entrance.
See you all there!

Please bring:
$3 to contribute to the park reservation fee and the BBQ charcoal.
Your dinnerware and napkins.
Your own drinks. Alcoholic beverages are permitted.
A dish to share. Recommended food categories are the following, for those with last names beginning with:

A-G Main course (think grilled items)
H-M Appetizer
N-S Veggie or Fruit side
T-Z Dessert

Or simply bring a favorite food item.

Historically, a gear sale and/or swap meet activity has been a part of the BBQ. Please bring your extra gear (garage clean-out time) to participate in this event.

Directions:

From I-280, turn North on DeAnza Blvd. in Cupertino, then left on Homestead, then right on Hollenbeck. The park is on your left.

From I-85, turn East on Fremont, then South on Hollenbeck. The park is on your right.

Gear Corner

Gear Swap

Nearly everyone who goes regularly to the mountains has mountains of excess gear stored somewhere. Many people new to the great pleasures of climbing in the mountains lack the gear and have to borrow, rent, or buy things to be able to go on trips.

We hope to smooth out these inequities by offering our unused pieces as donations or for sale at a low price to those who are missing the items. Please look through your stored gear before the picnic on July 10 and bring everything you actually never use.

Sun Lotions

Travel in the mountains means exposure to the intense sunlight found at higher altitudes. While getting a good dose of vitamin D is important for bone health (enables absorption of minerals required to build bone), too much leads to skin cancer. The debate is yet to be resolved whether the use of sun lotions is better than bare skin, but probably at the altitudes of our climbs we need them.

Before using sun lotions for this year’s trips you may want to check some research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on which of 783 lotions work or do not work and which are toxic. See

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php

2006-2007 PCS Trip Calendar

June 30 - July 1 – Mt. Russell

Leader: Stephane Mouradian

July 2-5 – Thompson, Powell, Wallace

Leader: Lisa Barboza

July 4-8 - Mount Williamson 14275, Tyndall 14018

Leader: Jeff Fisher

July 6-7 – Langley

Leader: Stephane Mouradian

July 20-24 – Red 11699, Gray 11573, Merced 11726

Leader: Lisa Barboza

July TBD – White Mt. (day hike)

Leader: Jeff Fisher

July TBD – Split Mt. (day hike)

Leader: Jeff Fisher

July 27-29 – Mt. Emerson, Pilot Knob

Leader: Charles Shafer

July 27-30 – Piute 10541, Petit 10788, Volunteer

Leader: Tim Hult

Aug 4-5 – Donner Pass Peaks Cabin trip

Leader: Chris MacIntosh

Aug 10-12 – Giraud

Leader: Charles Shafer

Aug 17-19 – Mystery Peak(s) TBD

Leader: To Be Announced

Aug 18-19 – Sequoia/Kings Canyon Car Camping

Leader: To Be Announced

Aug 24-28 – Agassiz, Cloudripper, Goode, Winchell

Leader: Lisa Barboza

Aug 31 - Sep 3 – Goat, State, Marion

Leader: Lisa Barboza

Sept 1-3 – Davis, Electra, Rodgers, Forester

Leader: To Be Announced

Sept 22-23 – Tower Peak

Leader: Bob Suzuki

Sept 21-23 – Virginia, Twin Peaks, Dunderberg

Leader: To Be Announced

Oct 19-21 – University, Kearsage, Gould (car camp)

Leader: Lisa Barboza

Private Trips

Summary

Important: Private trips are not insured, sponsored, or supervised by the Sierra Club. They are listed here because they may be of interest to PCS members. Private trips may be submitted directly to the Scree editor. Details on these trips follow the trip reports. In this issue.

June 29 - July 1 – Darwin/Mendel/Lamarck

June 30 - July 8 – Goddard Canyon & Ionian Basin

Jul 9-14 – Seven Gables, 13080

Jul 20-22 – B.S. x 2, Bear Creek Spire, 13720

Jul 28-30 – Star King, Clark

Aug 3-5 – Thumb, Disappointment

Aug 11-19(?) – Palisades-a-rama

Aug 19-25 – Wind Rivers

Aug 31 - Sept 3 – LeConte/Corcoran

Sept 1-3 – Gardner & Cotter

Sept 14-16 – Lover’s Leap Climbing (5^th class)

October 2007 – Nepal around Annapurna

Mid-January 2008 – Kilimanjaro - Tanzania

PCS Trip Details

Mount Russell

Peak: Mount Russall 14086 (class 3)

Dates: June 30 – July 1, 2007

Maps:

Leader: Stephane Mouradian (smouradian@hotmail.com)

Co-leader: Kelly Maas ((kellylanda@sbcglobal.net, 408-378-5311)

We will take the east ridge route. This trip is suitable for mountaineers experienced with class 3 climbing. The route is known for having some exposure. Saturday: hike to upper boy scout lake. Sunday: summit and hike out. Monday is an optional bad weather day. We have a permit for 6.

Thompson, Powell, Wallace

Peak: Thompson 13480, Powell 13400, Wallace 13377

Dates: July 2-5, 2007

Maps:

Leader: Lisa Barboza (pcs-vice@att.net)

Co-leader: needed

Our Trailhead will be Lake Sabrina. We will camp in the Echo Lakes region, climb these 3 peaks on successive days, pick the easiest one for last, hike out and drive home. Send qualifications to leader.

Williamson and Tyndall

Peak: Mount Williamson 14275, Tyndall 14018

Dates: July 4-8, 2007

Maps: Mt Williamson

Leader: Jeff Fisher (jeff_fisher_5252@sbcglobal.net, 408-733-1299)

Co-leader: Louise Wholey (louisewholey@yahoo.com, 408-867-6658)

Meet at the Shepherd Pass TH Wednesday morning and hike to the pass (long and hard). Participants must be in excellent physical condition and well-acclimatized. Thursday, climb Williamson via class 3 west face. Friday climb Tyndall or another peak via the class 2 NW ridge. Jeff may hike out Saturday; others may stay to climb some other peaks.

Mount Langley

Peak: Mount Langley 14042

Dates: July 6-7, 2007

Maps:

Leader: Stephane Mouradian (smouradian@hotmail.com)

Co-leader: needed

This is a trip suitable for experienced backpackers with limited mountaineering experience, who would like to climb a non technical 14,000' peak. Permit for 8.

The goal is to approach and camp on Friday. Then summit and walk out on Saturday. Sunday is the possible extra bad weather day.

Red, Gray, Merced, Fast and Light

Peak: Red 11699, Gray 11573, Merced 11726

Dates: July 20-24, 2007

Maps:

Leader: Lisa Barboza (pcs-vice@att.net)

Co-leader: Louise Wholey (louisewholey@yahoo.com)

We're planning a fun Fast and Light backpacking climbing trip into the south side of Yosemite National Park. We'll leave from Mono Meadows trailhead, backpack to Ottoway Lake, and attempt Red, Gray, and Merced Peaks. These peaks are 2nd class on our routes.

Open to experienced backpackers and climbers, it's a long way in to our first night's camp, about 15 miles. Accordingly, this is a light and fast trip. Carry enough food and gear for 4 days of hiking and climbing in the Clark Range of Yosemite National Park. Plan to be at the TH in the evening of Thursday July 19 for an early start.

White Mountain day hike

Peak: White Mountain 14246

Dates: July TBD, 2007

Maps:

Leader: Jeff Fisher (jeff_fisher_5252@sbcglobal.net, 408-733-1299)

Co-leader: needed

This is a beginner trip. The hiking is easy but quite high. The drive passes close to Bristlecone Pines.

Split Mountain day hike

Peak: Split Mountain 14058

Dates: July TBD, 2007

Maps: Split Mtn

Leader: Jeff Fisher (jeff_fisher_5252@sbcglobal.net, 408-733-1299)

Co-leader: needed

This is a strenuous day trip from low on the valley floor to over 14000 feet. Participants must be well-acclimatized, fit, and very strong, as well as able to climb class 3 quickly.

Pilot Knob & Mt. Emerson

Peak: Pilot Knob (12,245, cl 2), Mt. Emerson (13,204, cl 3)

Dates: July 27-29, 2007

Maps: Mt. Darwin and Mt. Tom 7 ½”

Leader: Charles Schafer c_g_schafer@yahoo.com; 408 354-1545

Co-leader: wanted

Friday: Up and over Piute Pass, then we’ll continue on to a lake close to Pilot Knob where we’ll set up camp.

Saturday: We’ll climb Pilot Knob, then break camp and hike back to Loch Leven Lake where we’ll set up another camp.

Sunday: Climb Mt Emerson if all is going well, then hike back out.

This really is a nice, scenic alpine area, and the view from Pilot Knob is said to be fantastic. The trip will not be too strenuous, but you must be able to climb class 3 safely.

Piute, Petit, Volunteer

Peak: Piute 10541, Petit 10788, Volunteer 10497

Dates: July 27-30, 2007

Maps:

Leader: Tim Hult (408-970-0760)

Leader: Lisa Barboza (pcs-vice@att.net)

This is an exploration of the beautiful wilderness of Northern Yosemite. Hike in from Twin Lakes to reach these Class 2 Peaks. This trip is a planned as a loop trip over 4 days with long miles (10+ miles) and climbs for each of the days but one on the trail. Technical climbing skills are not required, but ability to put in long days is. Participants should plan on packing light and efficient for this trip. Be prepared for mosquitoes.

Donner Pass Peaks Cabin Trip

Peak: Castle Peak 9103’, Basin Peak 9017’

Donner Peak 8019’, Mt Judah 8243’

Dates: August 4-5, 2007

Maps:

Leaders: Chris MacIntosh, cmaci@sbcglobal.net, 650-325-7841; Deborah Benham, deborah05@sbcglobal.net, 650-964-0558

Stay at a ski club cabin in Soda Springs (hot showers; happy hour on deck). Saturday, hike up to the top of Castle and Basin Peaks; Sunday, we’ll summit Donner and Mt Judah. Beginners are most welcome! Cost: Lodging $30, Fri and Sat nights; 2 b’fasts and 1 dinner (BYO beer and wine) $20; total of $50. Room for 10. Contact leader, then send check to confirm

Sequoia/Kings Canyon Car Camping

Peaks: Alta 11204 (class 1), Silliman 11188 (class 1,2)

Dates: August 18-19, 2007

Maps: Mt Silliman, Lodgepole: 7.5’

Leader: Deborah Benham, deborah05@sbcglobal.net, 650-964-0558

Co-leader: needed

Enjoy the lovely forests and peaks of these national parks! I’ve reserved two side-by-side campsites at Lodgepole Campground. $8 nonrefundable fee holds your spot for 2 nights (Fri/Sat). Saturday, we’ll hike up Alta Peak; Sunday, we’ll summit Mt Silliman (expect a long day). Legendary group appetizers Saturday night.

Agassiz, Cloudripper, Goode, Winchell

Peak: Agassiz, Cloudripper, Goode, Winchell

Dates: August 24-28, 2007

Maps:

Leader: Lisa Barboza (pcs-vice@att.net)

Co-leader: needed

From South Lake TH above Bishop, we’ll climb over Bishop Pass to the Dusy Basin, make camp in an agreeable spot. Day hike Agassiz, Goode, Winchell, and climb Cloudripper on the way to the cars. This is a 4 day, beginner trip. Participants must be in good condition and fit, ready for a Fast and Light outing.

Goat/State/Marion

Peak: Goat/State/Marion

Dates: Sept 1-3 (Sat-Mon, Labor Day weekend)

Maps:

Leader: Lisa Barboza (pcs-vice@att.net)

Co-leader: needed

Hike in from Road's End to these remote peaks. Hike in over Granite Pass (11 miles, 6000 ft). These are CL2 peaks ranging from 12,200 to 12, 700 feet in height. This is a Fast and Light intermediate trip with a lot of distance and elevation. Send conditioning and qualifications to leader.

Tower Peak (11,755')

Peak: Tower Peak (11,755')

Dates: Sept 22-23 (Sat-Mon, 2 or 3 days)

Maps: Tower Peak topo

Leader: Bob Suzuki (SuzukiR@sd-star.com)

Co-leader: Louise Wholey (louisewholey@yahoo.com)

Cooler temps and starting fall colors may await us during this northern Sierra visit. A long backpack along the lovely West Walker River will eventually lead us to our camp along Kirkwood Creek. Sunday morning's climb will include the enjoyable class 3 granitic staircase in the northwest chute of Tower Peak. Expect to finish this trip in 2 days.

Trip Reports

Snow Climbing, Mt. Lassen, June 2

By Arun Mahajan

On Saturday, 2^nd June, some of us gathered on the slopes of Mt Lassen to do some snow climbing practice. This was organized as a private trip by Kelly Maas and Arun Mahajan; Scott Kreider was recruited to help out.

The participants were Harry Xue, Amit Bedajna, Yoni Novat, Dave Chang and Landa Robillard.

Despite the low snow year, there was enough snow and we started off on a relatively steep slope right at the Helen Lake trailhead and everybody practiced correct axe placements, climbing with an axe and traversing and switching directions on steep slopes. We continued on via the beaten trail in the snow till the south face of Mt Lassen and somewhere around a third of the way up the face we set ourselves up for self arrest practice.

After a couple of hours of this, including practicing falling in different positions, we headed up to the summit by way of the steepest possible slope and for that section, we donned crampons. However by this time, the afternoon sun had softened the snow and crampons were redundant. After summiting, we decided to descend the steep south face and thereby practice the skills that we had practiced. Everybody descended comfortably and we managed a couple of long glissades as well.

Thanks to everybody for participating and to Kelly and Scott for sharing their knowledge and skills. This was a wonderful outing on a beautiful spring weekend.
Mt. Ritter, June 9-10

By Jim and Louise Wholey

Our group of 5, Bob Suzuki, Linda Sun, Jim Ramaker, and Jim and Louise Wholey met early Saturday morning at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. The hike to Lake Ediza was leisurely with many stops to enjoy the very pretty scenery. The trail was quite good and very pleasant, passing creeks, lakes and loaded with wildflowers. Jim W. tried fishing a few places, but streams tended to capture his lures while the wind disrupted the surface of the lake, seemingly preventing the fish from making an appearance. Louise tried too as it was one of two “free fishing” days of the year when no license is required.

Upon reaching Lake Ediza fairly early Jim R. recommended moving 400 feet above the lake to camp so that Sunday’s climb would be shorter. People found various use trails to the higher site where we cooked dinner in a cold wind before retiring into our comfy sleeping bags, tents and bivies for the night.

In the early morning sun Jim snapped a photo of our target Mt. Ritter, the one on the left, and Banner Peak from our camp.

Our route was up the snow and rocks to the left of the peak. We found that with the low snow level we could stay on the rocks though the snow would also have worked fine. Up higher the route narrowed down into an ice-filled gully.

We did finally climb on snow up the snowfield on the SE side of the peak, and, of course, to speed our descent. The views from the summit were quite spectacular. Here are the Minarets.

The hike out to the road seemed much longer than the other way, but we enjoyed the many wildflowers and chats with a few other people we encountered along the way. The area had surprisingly few people. In fact the campground was empty except for Jim and Louise on Friday night and the pack station had not yet opened. A ranger we met hiking in told us we had hit it just right – delightfully cool weather following passage of a cold front that had dropped snow in the area.

Private Trips

Private trips are not insured, sponsored, or supervised by the Sierra Club. They are listed here because they may be of interest to PCS members. Private trips may be submitted directly to the editor.

June 29 - July 1 – Darwin/Mendel/Lamarck

Contact: Bob Suzuki (SuzukiR@sd-star.com)

Alternate: Lisa Barboza (pcs-vice@att.net)

Class 3-4 rock, snow. Mt Goddard 15', Mt Darwin 7.5' topos

This weekend will begin on Friday with a hike from North Lake over Lamark Col and into upper Darwin Canyon. Saturday morning we'll ascend the Darwin Glacier and west ridge, then climb the class 4 summit block of the mountain Secor calls "the monarch of the Evolution region."

Saturday afternoon will include a snow traverse to Mt. Mendel and a climb of it's loose east face. We'll bag Mt. Lamarck on our way out Sunday morning. Permit for 7.

June 30 - July 8 – Goddard Canyon & Ionian Basin

Contact: Bob Evans (robtwevans@email.msn.com)

This is a full week trip, Sat - Sun, Jun 30 - Jul 8. Our climbing goals include Mt. Goddard, E, 13,568; Scylla, 12,956; and others in the area. Expect class 2 climbing; plan on bringing an ice axe.

Day 1: From Florence Lake landing, up Blayney Meadow Trail to Goddard Canyon. Day 2: To Martha Lake and Mt. Goodard. Day 3 -4: To Ionian Basin, Scylla and Charybdis. Days 5 - 7 flexible (e.g., Evolution Valley peaks; possible early exit). Days 8 and 9: out.

Jul 9-14 – Seven Gables 13080

Contact: Kai Wiedman (650) 347-5234

Class 3. A five day climbing and backpacking odyssey, mostly cross-country through many remote lake basins.

Jul 20-22 – B.S. x 2, Bear Creek Spire, 13720

Contact: Bob Suzuki (SuzukiR@sd-star.com)

Alternate: Bob Evans, robtwevans@email.msn.com, 408-998-2857

Class 4, helmet, rope needed. Fri-Sun.

After work Thursday, drive to vicinity of Camp 9. Friday, mellow hike from Rock Creek to Treasure Lake. Saturday, climb B.C.S. via class 4 ridge. Exit Saturday; Sunday to finish drive home in case of late exit.

Jul 28-30 – Star King (9,092'), Clark (11,522')

Contact: Bob Suzuki (SuzukiR@sd-star.com)

Alternate: Linda Sun (lindasun@sbcglobal.net)

Class 4-5.4 , roped climbing, ice axe. 3 days, Sat – Mon. Merced Peak, Half Dome topos.

Brave sweltering summer heat, the Illilouette Creek, and hordes of voracious mosquitoes. We'll be rewarded with views of the magnificent Yosemite high country. Permit space for 2 or 3 more climbers. Climbing harness, helmet, belay/rappel device, and roped climbing experience required. Also ice ax, group bear canisters. Permit for 6.

Aug 3-5 – Thumb (13,356), Disappointment (13,917)

Contact: Bob Suzuki (SuzukiR@sd-star.com)

Alternate: Louise Wholey (louisewholey@yahoo.com)

Class 4 rappel/roped climbing. Fri-Sun, Split Mtn topo

To avoid Southfork Pass we'll try a new, unscouted approach from Birch Lake. Saturday's climb of the east ridge of Disappointment will require fast and efficient travel. Climbing harness, helmet, belay/rappel device,ice ax and roped climbing experience required. Group bear canisters. Permit for 7.

Aug 11-19(?) – Palisades-a-rama

Contact: Jeff Fisher (jeff_fisher_5252@sbcglobal.net, 650-207-9632)

Alternate: 5^th Class lead climber wanted to help lead.

Peaks: Thunderbolt, Starlite, North Palisade., Polemonium, and Sill, all over 14000 feet

Fun is to be had by all. Class 2, 3, 4 with 2 fifth class summit blocks. If interested in some but not all the peaks let me know. Helmets required on the Thunderbolt and Starlite, climbing shoes recommended. I will drive up early to get a non-reservable permit. The hope is to finish before the 19th; the option is to go home early or hit some other peaks.

Aug 19-25 – Wind Rivers

Contact: Bob Suzuki (SuzukiR@sd-star.com)

Alternate: Steve Eckert (http://www.climber.org/WhosWho/Steve_Eckert.html)

Class 3-4, ice ax, crampons, rope used. Sun-Sat, 7 days.

Gannett, Fremont, Arrowhead, Lester, Ellingwood, Stroud …

Maps: Bridger Teton N. F.: Pinedale R.; Wind River Range, north half

More than just a dash up Titcomb Basin to bag the state highpoint of Gannett, we'll hike a loop over Knapsack Pass and climb a mixed bag of peaks with an eye toward variety and views (not just the highest ones around). The scenery should be great and greatly varied. Most of the backpacking will be on trail and the gain with full packs will be moderate. Some peaks will be rock, some snow, probably some with steep ice sections. Rope, tools, recent climbing resume, and confidence required. Leaders will be driving from San Francisco, Participants from other areas welcome. See http://www.climber.org/trips/#706.

Aug 31 - Sept 3 – LeConte/Corcoran

Contact: Bob Suzuki (SuzukiR@sd-star.com)

Alternate: Jim Ramaker (ramaker@us.ibm.com)

Class 3-4. Fri-Mon. Mount Whitney, Mt Langley topos

McAdie (13,799'), LeConte (13,930'), Corcoran (13,714+'), Lone Pine (12,943')

These 4 high peaks south of Mt. Whitney should provide adequate exercise for the long Labor Day weekend. Our base camp will be at Meysan Lakes. Permit for 7.

Sept 1-3 – Gardner & Cotter

Contact: Kelly Maas (kellylanda@sbcglobal.net, 408-378-5311)

Entry from Kearsarge Pass. More details supplied later.

Sept 14-16 – Lover’s Leap Climbing

Contact: Jeff Fischer (jeff_fischer_5252@sbcglobal.net, 408.733.1299)

Alternate: Natalie Guishar (natalie.guishar@yahoo.com)

Beautiful and classic Class 5 climbing up vertical granite walls with many cracks, ledges, knobs and faces. At elevation of 6-7000 feet, expect temperatures in the 60s to 70s. Group campsite is free but try to arrive early Friday to claim (squat on) a site. For details on the climbing and location, see http://www.supertopo.com/climbingareas/southlaketahoe.html

October 2007 – Nepal around Annapurna

Contact: Warren Storkman (650-493-8959, dstorkman@aol.com)

This itinerary is for Oct 2007 to climb the highest trekking peak in Nepal, Mera Peak.

This walk up peak will allow you to bag over 21,000 ft.

Those who know me - know I do not handle your funds nor do you have to send any deposit.

ITINERARY FOR MERA PEAK

Day 1 Fly to Lukla/ Phakding overnight camp

Day 2 Phakding to Namche overnight camp

Day 3 Namche Day hike to Khumjung / Kunde

Day 4 Namche to Phakding overnight camp

Day 5 Phakding to Thukdingma overnight camp

Day 6 Thukdingma trek to Tsetre overnight camp

Day 7 Tsetre trek to Thaksingdingma

Day 8 Thaksindingma to Thagnak

Day 9 Thagnak rest day for acclimatization

Day 10 Thagnak trek to Khare

Day 11 Khare trek to Mera Base Camp camp

Day 12 Extra day in case of bad weather

Day 13 High camp and make preparation for the next day to get to the summit.

Day 14 Climb Mera summit look views of Pumori (7161m), Lhotse (8516m) Makalu (8463m), Lobuche (6145m), Cho Oyu (8201m) are spectacular from the summit. We retrace to Base Camp

Day 15-17 Mera Peak Base Camp - Lukla. We follow the same route and come back to Lukla

Day 18 Lukla - Kathmandu flight out

US $ 1520 per person

Mid-January 2008 – Kilimanjaro - Tanzania

Contact: Warren Storkman (650-493-8959, dstorkman@aol.com)

Climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Take an optional safari. Inquiries are welcome.